McClain's Mailbag: How much has Texans' Deshaun Watson improved?

Deshaun Watson is slated to be the first Texans quarterback to start consecutive season openers since Matt Schaub from 2012-13.

Photo: Bob Levey, Houston Chronicle

I've been impressed with what I've seen of the Texans at the two OTAs the media has been allowed to watch. I try to keep an eye on veteran free agents, draft choices, second-year players, players returning from injuries and, most importantly, quarterback Deshaun Watson.

On our weekly show that airs at 6 p.m. Thursdays on Sports Radio 610, I told Marc Vandermeer this week that — in practice Wednesday – Watson reminded me of Warren Moon. Vandy said his sidekick, John Harris, said the same thing. Harris and I hadn't compared notes, so I think it was an interesting and accurate observation.

Of all the quarterbacks I've covered, none threw a more beautiful ball than Moon. The spin, the touch and the accuracy were so consistent. Watching Watson throw corner routes to receivers reminded me of Moon. The passes were perfect. Such impressive touch!

With that in mind, we'll start this week's mailbag with a question about Watson from my buddy Rick Tindal, a regular contributor to our Facebook Live sessions on Tuesdays and this mailbag.

Q: How much have you seen Deshaun Watson improve in this year's OTAs compared to 2018? — Rick T.

A: He's making remarkable improvement, Rick. This is his third season, and it's obvious to everyone he's comfortable and confident in Bill O'Brien's system. He's developing a good working relationship with new quarterbacks coach Carl Smith. He's worked with new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly for three years. And, of course, Watson and O'Brien have a terrific relationship. Here's something to consider: As a rookie, Watson played behind Tom Savage in the offseason program. He worked mostly with the backups. Last year, Watson was coming off major knee surgery, and he was limited in OTAs, so he didn't do 11-on-11 work. This year, he's doing everything. Think about how much farther along he is at this stage. That's got to benefit him in September.

Q: Is receiver Will Fuller's ACL tear a concern about a possible decrease his speed? — Ryan W.

A: Fuller is on the same timetable as Deshaun Watson last season, Ryan. He should be ready to go full-speed sometime in August and will be ready for the opener at New Orleans. The surgery and recovery have gone well. He's expected to return as fast as ever and give Watson a big-time deep threat again. By the way, in Fuller's 11 games with Watson, he's caught 11 touchdown passes. The Texans really need Fuller opposite DeAndre Hopkins.

Q: Who are the sleepers for the Texans, and who do you think will be the most surprising cut? — Stephen W.

A: Based on what I've seen and heard, Stephen, my sleepers at this early stage are defensive end Charles Omenihu (fifth round) and receiver Johnnie Dixon (undrafted). Omenihu might come off the bench and give them an inside pass rusher who plays the run well. Dixon might have a chance to become the fifth receiver and a possible return man. As for the most surprising cut, if they don't play better than last season, left tackle Julién Davenport or cornerback Aaron Colvin. This is Davenport's third season. He should be used to NFL competition. He's valuable because he can play both sides and started last season, but if veteran free agent Matt Kalil is healthy and plays well, they could keep him instead. As for Colvin, he was outstanding at Jacksonville but a disappointment in his first season with the Texans. Part of it was an injury. Competing with him inside will be veteran free agent Briean Boddy-Calhoun and sixth-round pick Xavier Crawford.

Q: How much better do you expect the Texans' offensive line will be with Tytus Howard? — Kenny N.

A: I think the line will be a lot better, Kenny, and not just because of Howard, the first-round pick. I've said on Sports Radio 610 that I believe there's a 90 percent chance Howard will be the starting left tackle in the opener at New Orleans. But they also drafted right tackle Max Scharping in the second round. Right tackle Seantrel Henderson has returned from season-ending surgery after the first game last season. They signed veteran left tackle Matt Kalil, who's still rehabbing from a knee injury that cost him last season at Carolina. Martinas Rankin begins his second season and moves inside to guard.

Q: The Texans should hire Bruce Matthews to help coach the Texans' offensive line. Winning is about using all the resources available to you all the time. Bruce is a fountain of knowledge about offensive line play. We have invested in physical talent. Now let's invest in coaching knowledge. It's a win/win situation for everyone. I bet he'd jump at the chance to get back in the game. We need him. —Jack C.

A: I'm not sure Bruce would want to devote the time it takes to be an assistant coach, Jack. He and wife Carrie try to attend Atlanta Falcons games to watch their son Jake play left tackle. And they watch their youngest son Luke play guard for the Aggies. Bruce worked for the Texans under Gary Kubiak before he left to join Mike Munchak's staff at Tennessee. I believe he's pretty busy being a father, grandfather, football fan — not to mention a husband.

A: Since the Texans never have reached the AFC Championship Game and have only one playoff victory under Bill O'Brien, I'd say the Rockets, Mike. They reached the Western Conference Finals last year and they won a series this year before losing to Golden State. I think the Rockets are closer. But the Astros are still the closest, of course.

Q: What name would you like the Houston XFL team to have? — Jose F.

A: Oilers.

Q: Justin Verlander recently said this 2019 team is far better than the Astros' 2017 team. Agree or disagree? — Anne E.

A: I didn't see that quote, Anne, but Verlander should know. I imagine he said that before the injury bug struck them big time. Still, that team won the World Series. This one could, too. I think the pitching staff is better with starters Gerrit Cole and Wade Miley and relievers Ryan Pressly and Roberto Osuna. Those four weren't here in 2017. I think they miss Marwin Gonzalez, but general manager Jeff Luhnow hit a home run by signing leftfielder Michael Brantley.

Q: Do the McNairs still have an interest in horse racing since Bob McNair passed away? — Donald J.

A: Donald, the McNairs are racing enthusiasts, but Bob sold his stables in Kentucky and Saratoga Springs years ago.

Q: Watching "A Football Life" on the NFL Network about the 1993 Oilers, who was their radio announcer? The voice sounds familiar, but I cannot place it. Figured you might know. — Spencer H.

A: That familiar voice, Spencer, was Tom Franklin.

Q: My solution to the overtime kerfuffle is at the end of regulation, go to a fifth quarter. Two-minute break. Teams change sides, and the drive continues. No coin flip. Other team guaranteed to get the ball. Allows the game to simply continue to a resolution. If necessary, they play a sixth quarter in the playoffs. If we keep a 10-minute overtime period, Team A has an eight-minute drive to score, that would only leave two minutes for Team B to score. We'd hear complaining about that, too. — Dave H.

A: That's interesting, Dave. You mean that the rule would be changed to allow both teams to get the ball in overtime even if the receiving team scores a touchdown. I want them to allow both teams to get the ball, but so far, they haven't changed it. You're right about an eight-minute drive. As for no coin toss and just continuing the last possession of regulation, that's an interesting concept, one I haven't seen anywhere but here. Thanks for the suggestion.

John McClain, a Waco native who graduated from Baylor in 1975, is in his 43rd year at the Houston Chronicle and his 40th covering the National Football League, including the Oilers and Texans. He worked for the Waco Tribune Herald from 1973-76, when he accepted a job with the Chronicle. to cover the original Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association.

McClain has a plaque in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio as the 2006 winner of the Dick McCann Memorial Award presented annually by the Pro Football Writers of America to a writer for his long and distinguished coverage of the NFL. He is past president of the Pro Football Writers of America.

He's a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Seniors Committee and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

In 2015, he was named as a Gridiron Legend in Texas, becoming the third member of the media behind Dave Campbell and Mickey Herskowitz.

McClain can be heard six times a week on the Texans' flagship station Sports Radio 610 in Houston. He also does weekly sports talk shows in Nashville, Knoxville, Waco, Austin and San Antonio.

McClain also has appeared in eight movies: The Rookie, The Longest Yard, Spring Breakers, Secretariat, Invincible, Cook County, The Game Plan and Make It Rain.